Irish Internet users are increasingly purchasing items online but tend to buy low-risk items below £100 (€127), according to the Irish Internet Association's (IIA) fourth biannual online survey of Internet Usage. The IIA received responses from approximately 2,500 self-selecting users who have a career or business interest in the Internet.

The most popular items purchased electronically were software (32 per cent), books (31 per cent), travel services (16 per cent), music (15 per cent).

The survey revealed that 54 per cent of online purchases were below £100, 32 per cent between £100 and £500, 8 per cent from £500 to £1,000, 3 per cent between £1,000 to £2,000 and 3 per cent more than £2,000.

There was a 20 per cent increase in the number of those buying online. Satisfaction with the experience was high with 81 per cent saying they would buy again.